Wisecracks Chat Board

• Egg Yolks may be served raw, however the whites must be cooked
• Include Fat in your cat’s diet, a little butter or lard. The rex breeds especially require this.
•  Raw Liver is important in the diet but should not be fed more than twice a week, as it may cause diarrhoea, and in large quantities it may also cause vitamin A poisoning. Beware of "pet mince" too often it contains large quantities of liver.
•  Dog Foods are not suitable for cats as they have very different nutritional requirements from dogs. Cats require more vitamins A and B, taurine, fatty acids, and animal protein than dogs. Cats are still primary hunters whereas dogs are scavengers, dual cat/dog foods are actually cat foods suitable to dogs, and are perfectly adequate.

Claws; Devon Rex and Devon Rex Variants grow longer nails more quickly than most other cat breeds. Your kittens claws have been kept clipped, scissors style clipper seems the easiest to use, but human nail clippers work well.  Because all cat claws are clear it is straightforward identifying the quick and cutting to avoid this. Wait until she is settled on your lap, speak to her reassuringly, and she should cooperate. Just put your fingers under her pads and gently press down on her paw with your thumb to expose the nail. A scratching post is essential, do not be seduced by looks, you need a solid base and a long enough pole for the cat to scratch. If your kitten uses the furniture a sharp clap and no should discourage her (while you are looking) alternatively I use a garden spray bottle of water to spray offending individual and that way they don't know where it came from, but stop their deviant behaviour temporarily at least.

Eyes If your kitten develops any eye discharge gently swab it from the nose side outwards; never use the same swab more than once. Bathing in the other direction can spread any infection to the other eye. I find makeup pads wonderful to have on hand for any minor first aid requirements, they are absorbent and the cotton wool is covered in gauze to stop bits of fluff getting into the eye or wound. If the discharge continues for more than two days contact you veterinarian. Do not use drops or ointments without advice as they may destroy the natural antibodies on the eye surface and can therefore make the condition worse by allowing harmful organisms to multiply on the eye surface.

Play  is extremely important for kittens, Try to have a collection of things for him/her to play with, they need not be expensive, old cotton reels, ping pong balls, pipe cleaners, milk bottle caps and the rings around them will all provide hours of fun. Most Devons love to retrieve, lengths of ribbon on any toys helps to encourage them. Praise him/her when he/she does bring his/her toy back to you and throw it again. Never allow your kitten to use their teeth or claws on human flesh. It may seem cute when they are small; however it is not very acceptable when they become fully grown. If he/she does catch your hand, do not pull away, flick his/her nose lightly with your finger and say "no"! 

Inside Hazards; Open Fires, Lazy Boy Chairs, Washing Machines, Freezers, Dishwashers; All of these everyday tools can be hazards to the young inquisitive kitten. Please be aware of where your kitten is before closing clothes dryers, fridges, washing machines, ovens etc. It takes only a moment to check and possibly prevent a tragedy. Rubber bands, string and dental floss can be eaten and cause choking or bowel obstructions.

Outside Poisons; Brake fluid and antifreeze are lethal and are attractive and palatable to cats! Cocoa mulch and snail bait as well as insecticides containing permethrins are seriously dangerous to cats.

Outside Hazards; Ensure you know where your cat is before moving vehicles. Roads claim many lives with a large number being cats. A New Zealand pet magazine has published the fact that %94 of cat deaths occur between dusk and dawn. Your kitten has not been allowed outdoors at all yet, if he/she is never out at night, he/she won't know what he/she is missing. Garage Door Openers can have sensitivity adjusted to high to help reduce the chance of a cat or kitten being crushed and it does happens, I have been contacted twice now by distraught owners!